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Giovannoni G, Ford HL, Schmierer K, Middleton R, Stennett AM, Pomeroy I, Fisniku L, Scalfari A, Bannon C, Stross R, Hughes S, Williams A, Josephs S, Peel C, Straukiene A. MS care: integrating advanced therapies and holistic management. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1286122. [PMID: 38351950 PMCID: PMC10862341 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1286122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle and environmental factors are key determinants in disease causality and progression in neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Lack of exercise, poor diet, tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake, social determinants of health, concomitant medications, poor sleep and comorbidities can exacerbate MS pathological processes by impacting brain health and depleting neurological reserves, resulting in more rapid disease worsening. In addition to using disease-modifying therapies to alter the disease course, therapeutic strategies in MS should aim to preserve as much neurological reserve as possible by promoting the adoption of a "brain-healthy" and "metabolically-healthy" lifestyle. Here, we recommend self-regulated lifestyle modifications that have the potential to improve brain health, directly impact on disease progression and improve outcomes in people with MS. We emphasise the importance of self-management and adopting a multidisciplinary, collaborative and person-centred approach to care that encompasses the healthcare team, family members and community support groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Giovannoni
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen L. Ford
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Schmierer
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Middleton
- Disease Registers & Data Research in Health Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea M. Stennett
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Pomeroy
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leonora Fisniku
- Department of Neurosciences (Addenbrooke’s), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Scalfari
- Centre of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth Stross
- Neurology Academy, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Kingston Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Hughes
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Williams
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Paignton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Agne Straukiene
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, United Kingdom
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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Bridge F, Butzkueven H, Van der Walt A, Jokubaitis VG. The impact of menopause on multiple sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103363. [PMID: 37230311 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of ovarian function, represents a period of significant fluctuation in sex hormone concentrations. Sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and anti-Mullerian hormone are thought have neuroinflammatory effects and are implicated in both neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Sex hormones are thought to have a role in modifying clinical trajectory in multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout the lifespan. Multiple sclerosis predominantly effects women and is typically diagnosed early in a woman's reproductive life. Most women with MS will undergo menopause. Despite this, the effect of menopause on MS disease course remains unclear. This review examines the relationship between sex hormones and MS disease activity and clinical course, particularly around the time of menopause. It will consider the role of interventions such as exogenous hormone replacement therapy in modulating clinical outcomes in this period. Understanding the impact of menopause on multiple sclerosis is fundamental for delivering optimal care to women with MS as they age and will inform treatment decisions with the aim of minimising relapses, disease accrual and improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bridge
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anneke Van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vilija G Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Soleimani A, Ezabadi SG, Möhn N, Esfandabadi ZM, Khosravizadeh Z, Skripuletz T, Azimzadeh M. Influence of hormones in multiple sclerosis: focus on the most important hormones. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:739-747. [PMID: 36595158 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal imbalance may be an important factor in the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. In this context, hormone therapy has been shown to have immunoregulatory potential in various experimental approaches. There is increasing evidence of potentially beneficial effects of thyroid, melatonin, and sex hormones in MS models. These hormones may ameliorate the neurological impairment through immunoregulatory and neuroprotective effects, as well as by reducing oxidative stress. Expanding our knowledge of hormone therapy may be an effective step toward identifying additional molecular/cellular pathways in MS disease. In this review, we discuss the role of several important hormones in MS pathogenesis in terms of their effects on immunoregulatory aspects and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soleimani
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sajjad Ghane Ezabadi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nora Möhn
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Azimzadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
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Alvarez-Sanchez N, Dunn SE. Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175874. [PMID: 37122747 PMCID: PMC10140530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E. Dunn
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Shannon E. Dunn,
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McCombe PA. The role of sex and pregnancy in multiple sclerosis: what do we know and what should we do? Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:377-392. [PMID: 35354378 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2060079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more prevalent in women than in men. The sex of the patient, and pregnancy, are reported to be associated with the clinical features of MS. The mechanism of this is unclear. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes data about sex differences in MS and the role of pregnancy. Possible mechanisms for the effects of sex and pregnancy are summarized, and practical suggestions for addressing these issues are provided. EXPERT OPINION There is considerable interdependence of the variables that are associated with MS. Men have a worse outcome of MS, and this could be due to the same factors that lead to greater incidence of neurodegenerative disease in men. The possible role of parity on the long-term outcome of MS is of interest. Future studies that look at the mechanisms of the effects of the sex of the patient on the outcome of MS are required. However, there are some actions that can be taken without further research. We can concentrate on public health measures that address the modifiable risk factors for MS and ensure that disease is controlled in women who intend to become pregnant and use appropriate disease modifying agents during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
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Kopp TI, Lidegaard Ø, Magyari M. Hormone therapy and disease activity in Danish women with multiple sclerosis - a population-based cohort study. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:1753-1762. [PMID: 35196406 PMCID: PMC9314629 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Sex differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and disease course are thought to be driven by hormones. Exogenous exposure to estrogens may affect MS disease course. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between hormone therapy (HT) and disease activity and disability accrual among women with MS. Methods A register‐based cohort study was conducted with prospectively enrolled cases from the Danish MS registry. Information on hormone exposure was retrieved from the National Prescription Registry. Outcomes were relapse rate, relapse rate ratio, recurrent relapses, 6‐month confirmed and sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) milestones 4 and 6, and recurrent EDSS worsening. Results In all, 3325 women were eligible for analyses, of whom 333 (10%) were ever on HT at some time during follow‐up. We found no association between HT and disability accrual, although a trend for increasing risk with increasing length of use was seen. The risk of reaching 6‐month confirmed and sustained EDSS 4 among users was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3–1.2) after <1 year of use and 1.4 (95% CI = 0.9–2.2) after >5 years of HT compared to never use. The risk of recurrent relapse was increased by 20% (95% CI = 1.0–1.4) among current users of HT compared to nonusers. However, the risk of recurrent relapses was driven by the first calendar period (1996–2005) before the introduction of high‐efficacy disease‐modifying therapy. Conclusions Our findings from this nationwide MS population suggest that HT does not affect disability accrual in women with MS, especially if used for <5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Iskov Kopp
- The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melinda Magyari
- The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sullivan A, Kane A, Valentic G, Rensel M. Recommendations to Address the Unique Clinical and Psychological Needs of Transgender Persons Living With Multiple Sclerosis. Int J MS Care 2022; 24:35-40. [PMID: 35261570 PMCID: PMC8883816 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) face challenges coping with chronic illnesses, and transgender (TGD) persons living with MS may experience additional unique challenges and barriers to care. Medical biases toward TGD people are widely reported, and best practices in TGD MS care have not been identified. METHODS A case report of a TGD person living with MS is reviewed that helped to identify and inform us regarding the unique aspects of their clinical and psychological care needs. We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to the standard methods in PubMed. The literature was reviewed and summarized for relevant topics related to the unique care needs of TGD persons living with MS, and proposed care recommendations were created. RESULTS We used the aforementioned case to identify and inform the special care needs and subsequently describe proposed recommendations to achieve inclusive comprehensive care of TGD persons with MS. The importance of providing an inclusive environment, comprehensive care, mental health screening, domestic violence screening, and case coordination are highlighted with the goal of providing best practice recommendations for the comprehensive inclusive care of TGD persons living with MS. CONCLUSIONS The lack of published guidance on the care of TGD persons living with MS and our informative case have led to the proposed recommendations for the care of TGD persons living with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Sullivan
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (AS, AK), Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alexa Kane
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (AS, AK), Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gianna Valentic
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA (GV)
| | - Mary Rensel
- Department of Neurology (MR), Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Jakimovski D, Eckert SP, Zivadinov R, Weinstock-Guttman B. Considering patient age when treating multiple sclerosis across the adult lifespan. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:353-364. [PMID: 33595379 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1886082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The successful development of anti-inflammatory disease-modifying treatments (DMT) significantly improved disease outcomes and longevity of persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, the shift toward an elderly MS population has resulted with new concerns regarding DMT efficacy and safety.Areas covered: This review summarizes the evidence of an age-based decrease in the efficacy of MS DMTs and increase in pharmacovigilance concerns. The age effects on pathophysiological MS processes, immunosenescence and its relevance to DMT selection or discontinuation are also reviewed. Lastly, the authors discuss the influence of age-associated comorbidities on DMT initiation and drug-induced events.Expert opinion: There is an age discrepancy between pwMS included in regulatory drug trials and an aging real-world MS population. Most trials demonstrate significantly diminished anti-inflammatory efficacy in patients older than 40 years old. Older age is associated with a greater risk for adverse events including serious infections. Age-associated comorbidities influence the risk-benefit analysis and sometimes cause patients to discontinue DMTs. Instead of chronological age cutoffs, therefore, studies should aim at promoting biologically-based age biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Jakimovski
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Svetlana P Eckert
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Center for Biomedical Imaging at Clinical Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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